Shontelle Thrash selected for Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship

(October 29, 2024) - Clayton State University left its mark in Hollywood yet again in 2024, as Theatre and Communication Prof. Shontelle Thrash was selected for the Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship by the Television Academy Foundation.

Thrash, also the director of the university’s Stage and Screen Program, was recently honored for her newfound fellowship at the Media Educators Conference in Los Angeles.

Having always been intrigued by the opportunity, Thrash said she finally applied for the fellowship after pondering doing so for years.

And just like in a blockbuster Hollywood script, she soon received an email back from the Foundation confirming her fellowship – something she passionately called “an honor.”

“I’ve followed Alex Trebek’s career for years,” Thrash said. “I recall sitting with my family and watching ‘Jeopardy’ all the time. Just knowing how influential his life was and his legacy in the television industry ... being honored with that fellowship was truly a blessing.”

Thrash attended various workshops while in L.A. on storytelling focused on climate solutions, A.I., democracy in television, and the future of the television industry.

Since her return, she has been exploring and has already identified areas where she can utilize the learned resources from the conference. She plans to incorporate those and more in the coming semester.

“It was just so wonderful to have the opportunity to hear from industry professionals that have their hands on the pulse of the industry,” Thrash said. “I'm excited about sharing it with the faculty and students.”

Thrash wanted to thank the Dept. of Film, Communication, and Performing Arts, its chair, Prof. Jonathan Harris, Dr. Dwayne Hooks, and the College of Arts and Sciences.

She is also grateful for the “overall support from the university.”

For further information on Thrash’s recent Gene Hatfield Teacher of the Year Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, click here.